KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both offer distinctive experiences for different types of users, despite both being linear switches. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its light and soft feel, providing a smooth typing experience that many users find pleasurable. Its unique "baritone" sound profile adds a subtle auditory layer to your keystrokes without being overly distracting, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed with a more substantial feel, thanks to its unique construction using a PA12 top housing and a POM stem. This gives it a crisp higher-pitched resonance that can spark an engaging typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a bit more feedback and sophistication in their keystrokes. While the Grapefruit excels in soft acoustics and a delicate touch, the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a robust performance with a refined auditory signature. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Grapefruit featuring polycarbonate and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizing nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound when the keys are released. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows light to pass through beautifully, enhancing the visual experience during use. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a significantly different auditory experience; it is softer and more sound-absorbing, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile that results in a more muted acoustic response when the keys are pressed and released.

On the other hand, both the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share the same material for their bottom housings, which is nylon. This similarity underscores the classic use of nylon in switch housings, renowned for its capability to absorb sound and create a rounder typing experience. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the retention of nylon in the bottom section ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed down. Since the bottom housing significantly contributes to the bottom-out sound—the feedback felt when keys are fully pressed—users can expect a consistent plushness and soft acoustic quality from both switches due to this shared material.

In summary, while the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—resulting in distinct sound profiles when keys are released, they converge on the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that, despite the differences in upper housing materials, both switches offer similar deeper sound experiences when typing. Therefore, users who seek a blend of the bright and vibrant sound heralded by the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top and the luscious, muted sound from the Xinhai (Heavy) can find satisfying results in either option, depending on their preferences and typing style.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Grapefruit switch features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heftier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Grapefruit is the lighter option overall, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more pronounced resistance. Users seeking a switch that provides a significant push feel would benefit from the heavier forces of the Xinhai, while those looking for comfort and ease during extended use might prefer the KTT Grapefruit.

Travel distance

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the Grapefruit's travel distance aligns with more traditional preferences, offering a deeper feel with each keypress, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a shorter distance for quicker response times, a common choice among gamers. Shorter travel distances, like that of the Xinhai, can deliver faster actuation but may feel more abrupt for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences for either a more responsive feel or a fuller depth in typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch stands out with its distinctive low-pitched and neutral characteristics. This creates a mellow and somewhat bass-heavy tone that appeals to those who prefer a deeper sound profile while typing. This makes the Grapefruit suitable for various environments, whether at a desk or in a more shared space, as its sound won't be overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is designed with softer acoustics in mind, with a unique combination of materials that produce a higher-pitched resonance. While its specific sound profile is not detailed, the choice of PA12 for the top housing suggests a softer acoustics profile that may result in a more delicate sound presentation compared to the Grapefruit. Ultimately, sound experience can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap materials but expect a more nuanced aural feedback from the Xinhai compared to the plush tone of the Grapefruit.

Regarding feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch impresses with its polished sensation. This smooth finish enhances the typing experience, reducing friction and allowing for effortless key travel. This characteristic is particularly appealing for individuals who value an almost luxurious feel while typing. On the other hand, specifics about the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch are not provided, making direct comparisons challenging. However, given that it is a heavier variant of a well-regarded switch, one can infer that it likely offers its own unique tactile experience, potentially catering to users seeking a firmer actuation point. As such, it may attract those who enjoy a more robust feedback when engaging with their keyboard.

In conclusion, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit linear switch delivers a polished feel paired with a low-pitched sound, ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and mellow typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch aims for a balance of crisp sound and solid performance, although its tactile qualities remain largely undisclosed. Ultimately, both switches can yield satisfying results in terms of typing experience, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lightweight, soft characteristics of the Grapefruit or the potentially heavier, more structured feel of the Xinhai.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter, softer feel with a unique low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience, making it great for light gaming or everyday typing tasks where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust typing experience with slightly more resistance and appreciate a crisp sound with subtle sophistication, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be the way to go. With its heavier actuation force, this switch caters well to users who desire a firmer feedback during usage, making it ideal for more intensive typing sessions or gaming that requires rapid key presses. In essence, your choice should reflect your preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as the nature of your tasks, be it leisurely or performance-focused.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more